Southern Tanzania: A week in Ruaha and Selous

When to go - Seasons and Prices

In general terms July to October is dry season when wildlife is easier to see, and the climate gets progressively hotter. June and November are "shoulder" seasons when the rains may just be ending or starting and the bush may be a little greener. Between December and mid-March, it is more likely to rain (but not all day every day) and the climate can be hot and quite humid. During this time of year the bush comes to life with flowering trees, birds in breeding plumage and young life. You may have to look harder to find the animals but the landscapes, birds, clarity of the air and loveliness of the place is unparalleled. Watch our video on Southern Tanzania.

January

Price From: $5,400pp

The bush is beautiful and green, trees are in flower and everything feels full of life. This is a time when lots of babies are born and it's a time of plenty for both predator and prey. Migrant birds have arrived and add a dazzling flash of colour as they flit through the bushes in their bright breeding plumage.

February

Price From: $5,400pp

The bush is beautiful and green, trees are in flower and everything feels full of life. This is a time when lots of babies are born and it's a time of plenty for both predator and prey. Migrant birds have arrived and add a dazzling flash of colour as they flit through the bushes in their bright breeding plumage.

March

Price From: $5,400pp

The bush is beautiful and green, trees are in flower and everything feels full of life. This is a time when lots of babies are born and it's a time of plenty for both predator and prey. Migrant birds have arrived and add a dazzling flash of colour as they flit through the bushes in their bright breeding plumage.

April

Camp is closed.

May

Camp is closed.

June

Price From: $5,400pp

The water in the parks rivers and waterholes starts to recede, grasses dry out and leaves begin to fall. Wildlife is in top condition. Fishing in the Selous is usually superb once the water levels fall. Many birds still have their breeding plumage and June is an exciting month for new lion cubs and really interesting shifting pride dynamics.

July

Price From: $7,000pp

As water deep in the park interior begins to dry up wildlife concentrates along the river and lakes which makes for fantastic game viewing. Walking is superb as the vegetation opens up and fishing and river sightings in the Selous are excellent as sand banks are exposed for hippos and crocodiles.

August

Price From: $7,000pp

Marshes such as the Garden in the Selous are still well watered and become popular spots for herbivores, and therefore predators. Elephant sightings in camp occur regularly, even daily, especially along the dry Ifuguru river bed at Kigelia. Predator sightings are typically excellent and the fishing on the Rufiji River is very good.

September

Price From: $7,000pp

River and lakes are now teaming with wildlife. September is an excellent month for predators; their prey loses condition and becomes vulnerable around drinking spots. Elephants continue to gather at the river to feed and begin to dig drinking holes in the dry riverbeds.

October

Price From: $7,000pp

By the end of the month, even some of the smaller lakes and become dry. Elephants resort to stripping bark off trees for sustenance and there is a feeling of intensity as the wildlife waits for the rain. The first migratory birds begin to arrive in preparation for their breeding season through the rains. This is an excellent time for walking in Ruaha and fishing and fly camping in the Selous.

November

Price From: $5,400pp

November is typically still fairly dry, but we may see the first rains. The grasses sprout 5-7 days after the first sustained rainfall and it is amazing to see just how quickly the bush responds to the arrival of the rain with green shoots quickly covering the dry earth. Migratory birds continue to arrive. In dry years, herbivores become desperate and do not venture far from their water sources which continues to create intense game viewing experiences. Fishing remains good.

December

Price From: $5,400pp

Wildlife movements depend heavily on rainfall patterns but by the end of the month there should have been a decent amount of rain and herbivores begin to utilize fresh grass in the woodland habitats. Wildlife sightings along the river decline and fishing starts to get trickier due to sediment building up in the now flowing rivers. The bush turns into a lush green paradise and the skies are clear.

Camp Itinerary

Day by day

Fly from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park

This is a beautiful flight, departing from Dar es Salaam early in the morning and passing over the vast wilderness that is the Selous, over the Udzungwa Mountain range and down into Msembe airstrip in Ruaha National Park. The plane may take off and land at a few airstrips to collect and drop passengers along the way. You will be met at the airstrip by our guides and taken back to camp.

Days 1 - 4

Kigelia Ruaha

In one of Africa's biggest game spots, we explore. We have custom-built open game drive vehicles which are perfect for traversing the varied habitats of Ruaha. You can also get out on foot. Being on your own two pegs gives you a totally different experience. We're great fans of "going out" for breakfast and enjoying a sundowner in the bush. These things are rare treats on a safari and something that you wouldn't do back home, which frankly is the only reason you need for doing them. Whether you're out and about in an open game drive car, treading the game trails with your guide or wondering around the camp in search of birds, this is safari as its meant to be. Read more about Kigelia Ruaha.

Fly from Ruaha National Park to the Selous Game Reserve

After breakfast in camp, say goodbye to Kigelia, and head back to Msembe Airstrip to take a flight to the Selous. On landing at Kiba Airstrip, another warm welcome and short drive to camp will see you at Sand Rivers Selous for lunch while enjoying the spectacular river view.

Days 4 - 8

Sand Rivers Selous

Days at Sand Rivers are about exploring. Our open-sided 4x4 vehicles are a great way of seeing things. For covering a bit of distance when that's what's needed. But, we like to retain spontaneity wherever we can. Often the best way to see things, to avoid scattering animals from the lakeshore, or spooking a herd of elephant as they feed, is to hop down and quietly work our way into a good position on foot. And the same goes for our boats. Being on the river is a fantastic contrast to time spent in a vehicle. All in all, days at Sand Rivers aren't about box ticking, or endless driving in search of the next animal. It's a sense of gradual absorption in this corner of the natural world that we'd love you to feel. Read more about Sand Rivers.

Fly from the Selous Game Reserve back to Dar es Salaam

After saying goodbye to new friends in camp, our guide will take you back to Kiba airstrip this morning in time for your 45 minute flight back to Dar es Salaam.